pre departure Seminar

[Messybrownhair 251]

it's strange. it's required for your country but not for ours. I've often wondered what it's all about (and have heard some people say it's like a "How to get a GC even if you don't stay with the American" class). I've heard of some countries needing to give their citizens permission to leave the country (which is ridiculous), is that what this is?

To put it simply, its the govt trying to money off of the immigrants. They claim to provide a counseling class to help prepare the immigrant for life in the US and how to adjust to the culture but they dont actually provide any pertinent information that you wont find here. Instead they threaten you that you wont get the sticker on your passport unless you play by their rules. They ask for unecessary documents, charge a ridiculous sum for photocopied hand-outs and they even tried to make us open a bank account saying that we needed one to be able to open one in the US. The man who led the seminar when I took it even boldly proclaimed "I dont care if you have your visa, you can't leave unless we say so." Irritating, but sad to say he's right. It could have been such a nice program if only they would do it right.. (sorry for the rant!)

[Messybrownhair 251]

The only helpful part I can remember is them telling us what to do and where to call for help if we were abused (call the police and notify the embassy).

[Chrism 4]

Do you think we will need consent form even if were already married?We gave that to the people at city hall.

My mother in law will be with her so I better make sure she has Picture ID.

Thought we were done with the process.Its a bit depressing hearing they are hassling people there.

[saawdb 0]

To put it simply, its the govt trying to money off of the immigrants. They claim to provide a counseling class to help prepare the immigrant for life in the US and how to adjust to the culture but they dont actually provide any pertinent information that you wont find here. Instead they threaten you that you wont get the sticker on your passport unless you play by their rules. They ask for unecessary documents, charge a ridiculous sum for photocopied hand-outs and they even tried to make us open a bank account saying that we needed one to be able to open one in the US. The man who led the seminar when I took it even boldly proclaimed "I dont care if you have your visa, you can't leave unless we say so." Irritating, but sad to say he's right. It could have been such a nice program if only they would do it right.. (sorry for the rant!)

Is this seminar really Mandatory now? Any implications if one misses it? I'm just concerned because I will have to go to the city again out from province.

[Hank_ 9,174]

Have to do the CFO seminar to get the stamp in your passport, to be allowed to leave the country. Yup it is required.

[saawdb 0]

Have to do the CFO seminar to get the stamp in your passport, to be allowed to leave the country. Yup it is required.

Do you know which places to attend this seminar? Like is it only available in Manila?

[southcalhog 43]

Do you know which places to attend this seminar? Like is it only available in Manila?

Its is Available in Cebu also. I dont know the address or location but i can get it from my Fiancee if you need it, shes going to the seminar in Cebu and she knows exactly where it is located.